Are you looking for the best ways to keep your baby safe at home? One of the most essential things to do is babyproof your home, and cabinet locks are a great place to start. But with so many types of locks available, it can be tough to choose the right one.
Magnetic locks, adhesive locks, and spring-loaded locks are just a few of the many options on the market. Each one offers unique benefits and features to help keep your baby safe and secure. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best cabinet locks for babyproofing, so you can easily find the right one for your home and keep your little one safe from harm.
Our Top Picks
- Best Magnetic Cabinet Locks: Jambini Magnetic Cabinet Locks
- Best Value: Eco-Baby Magnetic Cabinet and Drawer Locks
- Best Safety Latches: Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Latches
- Best No-Drilling Cabinet Locks: HEOATH Child Safety Cabinet Locks
- Best Adhesive Locks: Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock System
- Best For Kitchen: Enovoe Magnetic Cabinet Locks for Babies
- Best Sliding Locks: CUTESAFETY Sliding Cabinet Locks
- Best For Knobs: Kiscords Baby Safety Cabinet Locks
- Best Sturdy Locks: Adoric Sliding Cabinet Locks
- Best Spring-Action Cabinet Locks: DB DAILY BEST Cabinet Latch Locks
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Cabinet Locks For Babyproofing Picks
Jambini Magnetic Cabinet Locks – Best Magnetic Cabinet Locks
- Easy to install
- Strong lock
- No visibility from the outside
- Doors can remain “unlocked” position if desired
- Expensive relative to some of the alternatives
When it comes to keeping your little ones safe, modern safety locks should not only be functional but also visually appealing. With these magnetic cabinet locks, you can protect your children from getting into cabinets while still having easy access to their contents.
The best thing about these locks is that they are installed inside the cabinet, making them virtually invisible from the outside. Plus, the snug fit design ensures that little fingers won’t get caught in between. And if you need to access the cabinet, simply flip the switch to disengage the lock. Thanks to the 3M adhesive tape, you won’t need to worry about drilling or using tools to install them.
Eco-Baby Magnetic Cabinet and Drawer Locks – Best Value
- They hold cabinet doors and drawers closed
- No sliver openings that can pinch little fingers
- Easy to install in many places
- They attach strongly to surfaces, but not so strong that you can never get them off
- They can only be installed in certain cabinet/drawer configurations. The piece that attaches to the cabinet/drawer frame needs a long, flat surface to attach
These safety locks for cabinets and drawers are a great affordable option if you want to baby-proof your home. The installation process is a breeze – just measure, adhere, and attach to a cabinet or drawer without any drilling or equipment. With strong 3M adhesive tape, these locks can withstand the most persistent toddlers’ pushing and twisting.
This kit includes 12 child safety cabinet locks, 2 keys, an installation cradle, a measuring ruler, and an additional 3M tape. It’s compatible with most cabinet doors and drawers, so you can be sure that your child is safe no matter where they explore in your home.
Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Latches – Best Safety Latches
- It’s easy to install and super easy to use for a grown-up
- It has a small square faceplate that fits anywhere
- It can be opened from both sides
- It swivels out of the way once open and hangs there until you’re ready to snap it back
- A little unsightly (white color)
The Xtraguard Dual Locking Multi-Use Latch is a clever and versatile latch designed to keep your child safe by locking down appliances, toilet seats, cupboards, drawers, and more.
With its dual-button release mechanism, this set of two latches makes it extremely difficult for children to open, so you can have peace of mind knowing your child is safe. When not in use, simply release and spin out of the way, then press back to fasten. Plus, the flexible strap can latch around corners, giving you even more options for securing your home.
Installation is quick and easy, and the adhesive can be removed without causing any damage to your surfaces.
HEOATH Child Safety Cabinet Locks – Best No-Drilling Cabinet Locks
- Sticky adhesive holds up pretty well, especially on wood
- Easy to install
- It’s nice that it rotates open, so it stays out of the way when not in use
- Good value
- Takes a bit of alcohol and some careful rubbing to remove the adhesive
The simple two-finger opening mechanism ensures that you can quickly and easily access your cabinets while keeping your children safe. Made from non-toxic eco ABS materials, these locks are both durable and environmentally friendly.
These child safety cabinet locks are designed to last, providing long-term protection for your little ones without compromising their safety. No tools or drills are required for installation, as the strong adhesive ensures a secure fit. Just remove the adhesive cover and attach the lock to the area you want to keep out of your child’s reach.
Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock System – Best Adhesive Locks
- It is a great invisible solution to avoid unsightly straps and clasps common for babyproofing solutions
- It’s capable of working on cabinet/drawer doors of varying thicknesses
- The key is chunky enough that it won’t be as easily lost
- The installation is very easy
- No extra adhesives
This easy-to-install system is more effective and long-lasting than other options on the market. Although it’s a breeze for parents to use, be sure to keep the key out of your child’s reach.
The ingenious design of the Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock System keeps the locks hidden inside the cabinets, so they won’t be visible to your child or anyone else. In side-by-side tests with actual children, the Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Locks proved to be more powerful and effective than top competitors.
Enovoe Magnetic Cabinet Locks for Babies – Best For Kitchen
- No need to drill into your cabinets
- Easy to use
- Easy to install
- You can’t see them from the outside
- The magnetic key is easy to misplace
Installing these locks inside your kitchen cabinets keeps them out of sight and out of reach of curious hands. With high-quality 3M tape, these drill-free childproof cabinet locks are a breeze to install and take just minutes to set up.
Need quick access to your drawers or cupboards? No problem! Simply pull on the disengage lever on the magnetic baby locks to temporarily disable the child safety locks. When you’re done, just push the lever back and the locks will re-engage, providing peace of mind for you and safety for your little ones.
CUTESAFETY Sliding Cabinet Locks – Best Sliding Locks
- Easy to install and remove
- They are adjustable as well
- Toddlers can’t figure it out
- Choice of colors
- Not the most durable since it is plastic
You’ll be relieved to know that this childproofing solution is made of top-notch materials – ABS and TPE – to ensure maximum strength and durability. What’s more, unlike other products in the market that come with just 4 locks, this package has 10 locks! Now that’s what I call saving you some cash.
These locks are perfect for securing side-by-side refrigerators, cabinets, and storage doors so that your little ones can’t access potentially dangerous items. They can be extended up to 5 inches to fit any style of D-shaped or annular handles and circular knobs with a mushroom shape.
No need for tools, drilling, magnets, or glue – these sliding locks are easy to install and remove without leaving any trace or damage to your cabinets. You won’t even notice they are there, and your cabinets will retain their aesthetic appeal.
Kiscords Baby Safety Cabinet Locks – Best For Knobs
- Versatile
- Baby can’t get it open
- No screws
- Won’t scratch the paint
- Too short for anything other than cabinets
These adjustable straps can hold knobs up to 6 inches apart, making them suitable for all types of cabinets. They are also easily removable with just one hand, so you won’t have to struggle to get inside your cabinets.
Unlike magnetic locks, these cable latches are portable and perfect for parents on the go who want to keep their baby safe while on the move. Plus, they won’t cause any damage to your cabinets, making them a convenient and practical choice for childproofing your home.
Adoric Sliding Cabinet Locks – Best Sturdy Locks
- Simple and easy to use
- Does not have any kind of glue or stickiness that will mess up your furniture
- Adjustable to most cabinet distances of handles
- Durable material that makes this item lasting
- Need shoehorn-style handles to work
With an extra-long U-shaped latch, you can easily modify the length up to 5 inches to fit various door knobs. No tools or drilling are required – installation is a breeze and takes just seconds.
Plus, these locks are non-adhesive, so you can remove them without any damage to your furniture. To unlock, simply press two buttons simultaneously, which is a breeze for adults but tricky for little ones.
These adjustable latches are suitable for all types of D-shaped or annular handles and mushroom-shaped knobs, including those found on side-by-side refrigerators, cabinets, and storage doors. And with 4 pieces in each bundle, you can secure multiple doors throughout your home.
DB DAILY BEST Cabinet Latch Locks – Best Spring-Action Cabinet Locks
- Strong Adhesion
- Easy to Install
- Support most cabinets
- The lock nearly hides away to make cabinets look clean
- Non-reusable
This baby safety kit contains everything you need to protect your child from accidents in the home. The package includes ten cabinet safety locks, as well as buckles to secure them in place. You have the option of using the strong 3M tape provided or screws for added security. Additionally, there are four corner guards, four plug protectors, and a cute giraffe-themed door pinch guard.
All of the materials used in these drawer locks are non-toxic and safe for children. Unlike magnetic locks that require a separate key for access, these innovative spring-operated cabinet locks are much more practical. They are also hidden on the interior of your cabinets, making them less visually noticeable and less likely to attract your child’s attention.
How To Choose Cabinet Locks?
- Type: There are several different types of cabinet locks, including magnetic locks, latch locks, and slide locks. Consider the type of cabinets you have and the level of security you need before choosing a lock.
- Installation: Some cabinet locks are easier to install than others. If you’re not familiar with installing locks, choose a lock that comes with easy-to-follow instructions.
- Age: The age of the child is quite important when choosing cabinet locks. Some locks are simple to unlock and appropriate for young children. Some locks are challenging to unlock, making them suitable for usage by older kids.
- Material: The majority of the locks are constructed from premium ABS plastic. However, you can also select stronger and more durable materials, like metal and steel.
Types Of Cabinet Locks
- Magnetic Locks: Installed inside cabinets and drawers, these safety latches employ strong magnets to keep the doors closed until a key is used to release them.
- Adhesive Locks: These locks, which employ powerful but removable glue, can be applied to a variety of objects, including cabinets, drawers, and appliances.
- Pull-Cord Locks: To operate these locks, turn the adjacent knobs. Use the button to tighten the cable, which wraps around the knob.
- Spring Release Locks: The cabinet doors’ inside house the locks. You’ll need to push the door open and insert your fingers at the top of the door to open them. To unlock the lock, you must depress the latch.
- Sliding Locks: Made of a plastic U-shaped strip with teeth that engage a sliding component. You must compress the sliding piece and pull the strip out to release the lock.
How Many Cabinet Locks Do I Need?
Walk through each area of your home and count the number of cabinets that will need locks before you start buying locks. Although you might mistakenly believe that you only need cabinet locks for cabinets that contain dangerous materials, you actually need them for every cabinet you use for storage. This will guarantee the safety and security of all of your possessions.
Do Magnetic Cabinet Locks Work On Drawers?
Yes, magnetic cabinet locks can be used on drawers. These locks work by attaching a magnet to the inside of the cabinet door and a metal plate to the drawer. When the door is closed, the magnet creates a magnetic field that holds the drawer closed.
How Can I Lock My Cabinets Without A Lock?
One way to lock your cabinets without a lock is to use a zip tie. Simply thread the zip tie through the handles of the cabinet and pull it tight. You can also use a piece of string or cord to tie the cabinet handles together. Adhesives are another less permanent option that could be ideal for renters. A strap is used to link the two anchor points, making them simple to install. All you need to do is attach two connection points to the surface of your cabinets and doors.
When Should I Install Cabinet Locks?
Most parents choose to install cabinet locks when their children start to crawl or walk (1). This is typically around 9-12 months old. Others opt to install cabinet locks as soon as they start potty training, as this is when accidents are more likely to happen. And still, others choose to wait until their child is older, as they may be more likely to understand and follow the rules about not opening locked cabinets. Just remember that injury is still the leading cause of death for children in the United States—and some are at higher risk, and this is often preventable (2).
